From the Mojave Desert, through California and Oregon, all the way up to the Bridge of the Gods in Washington state — a full 1,100 miles — Strayed hikes solo in her best-selling, Oprah-approved memoir, Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail. And now, only 2 years after the book was published and then translated into 30 different languages, her words come to life on the big screen in the highly anticipated film Wild. Academy Award winner Reese Witherspoon loved the story so much that she not only signed on to play Strayed, but she also is a co-producer after optioning the film even before the book’s release.

Hollywood stars aren’t the only ones attempting to re-create her journey; throngs of fans inspired by Strayed’s story are hitting the Pacific Crest Trail, one of the country’s longest and wildest thru-hikes, in record numbers. The Pacific Crest Trail Association is embracing the growing interest — about a 30% increase in the number of hikers this year alone — by sharing Strayed’s exact route and inspiring Wild stories.

Thousands of people are expected to converge on the National Mall in Washington, DC, for the Concert for Valor to honor veterans, active-duty service members and their families. The event — scheduled to start at 7 p.m. EST on Tuesday, Nov. 11 — is free to the public. Concertgoers can snag a spot on the National Mall when it opens at 10 a.m. Televised live on HBO, the concert will feature big-name musicians including Bruce Springsteen, Carrie Underwood, Eminem, Jennifer Hudson, Dave Grohl, Rihanna and the Black Keys.

To the shock and dismay of women around the world, the world’s most eligible bachelor is officially off the market. George Clooney tied the knot with Amal Alamuddin on Sept. 27 in Venice, Italy, at Hotel Aman, a historic hotel on Venice’s iconic Canal Grande.

This 16th-century palazzo, which was built on water, housed Venice’s elite for centuries, so it was a fitting spot for the Oscar-winning actor and the internationally acclaimed barrister to wed. Renovated into a luxury resort in 2013, Hotel Aman blends the old world with the new — frescoes hang in some of the 24 guest rooms, but there’s also a spa and fitness area. Don’t get too excited about following in Clooney’s footsteps: A night here will cost you — prices start at about $1,000 a night for a standard room. Most star-worthy wedding moment? The glamorous couple and their A-list guests arrived via boat or gondola.

After a dream wedding in Venice, where does a Hollywood power couple such as Clooney and Alamuddin honeymoon? Far-flung exotic locales like the beaches in Mauritius or the Maldives? Or perhaps, as was speculated, at royal honeymoon hot spot Seychelles?

Wales is hosting the largest gathering of international leaders ever to take place in Britain for the NATO summit Thursday and Friday (Sept. 4-5). The last summit in the UK was held in London almost 25 years ago.

President Obama will be in attendance, making him the first sitting US president to visit Wales. The assembled world leaders will focus on the crisis in Ukraine, Afghanistan’s future and new threats such as Islamic State. We’ll let them deal with those issues while we take a much lighter route. With the first family’s interests in mind, VisitBritain shared a few not-to-be-missed places to see and things to do if the president has some free time (not likely) or if the family makes a return trip to visit Wales.READ MORE

Hollywood’s hottest power couple, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, finally made their almost-decade union official, as they exchanged vows in a small chapel at the Chateau Miraval. But this isn’t just any 17th-century estate in Provence, France — Hollywood’s’ royal couple owns the enchanting domain. Perhaps Jolie and Pitt knew when they bought the French estate 2 years ago that it would be the perfect location for their wedding — it sits on 1,000 sprawling acres in the ancient village of Correns and is reported to have 35 rooms, a vineyard and a moat (perfect for keeping the paparazzi out).

Put on your blue suede shoes and celebrate the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll! This week, fans of all ages flocked to Memphis, TN, for the annual Elvis Week celebration. And this year, fans are also celebrating the 60th anniversary of rock ‘n’ roll! On July 5, 1954, Elvis recorded “That’s All Right” at Sun Studio in Memphis, which brought rock ‘n’ roll to life, and transformed the music industry forever.

In 1957, just 3 years after recording “That’s All Right,” Elvis is pictured above performing on an outdoor stage to the adulation of a large crowd.

Pay homage to the King, and travel to Memphis, where you can book a stay at Elvis Presley’s Heartbreak Hotel, tour Sun Studio and visit Elvis’ home and gravesite at Graceland — Memphis’ most popular tourist attraction, welcoming more than 600,000 visitors a year!

And don’t forget to check back every week this month for our Vintage Summer Throwback Thursdays!

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West are going to have a better long weekend than you. After much anticipation, the extravagant couple will tie the knot on Saturday, May 25 in Florence, Italy, in front of more than 100 guests, including their 11-month-old daughter, North.

But this won’t be your average celebrity destination wedding in a stunning Italian villa. After all, West — who proposed on the jumbotron at the San Francisco Giants’ At&T Stadium … with a 50-piece orchestra, their friends and family watching from the dugout and Keeping Up With the Kardashians cameras rolling — wouldn’t say “I do” any other way.

In true Kimye fashion, it seems no expense was spared on the lavish affair spanning across 2 romantic, European cities. Below you’ll find their rumored 3-day itinerary:

Just 8 months old, Britain’s Prince George heads out on his first royal tour with proud parents, Prince William and Kate Middleton. Here are some of the highlights for the royal family, who only arrived in New Zealand on Monday.

Photography by Samir Hussein/WireImage

Official Welcome: After touching down at Wellington Airport in New Zealand, the royal couple received a traditional, Maori welcome known as Powhiri. The New Zealand Defence Force Maori Cultural Group performed a wero, in which they advanced with spears and various battle cries. Will and Kate also took part in a hongi, a traditional greeting in which 2 people press their noses and foreheads together, with Governor General Sir Jerry Mateparae and his wife, Lady Janine.

Photography by Bernard Golder, flickr

Luxury Retreat: After their 27-hour flight, Will, Kate and George adjusted to their new time zone — and beat their jetlag — at the beautiful Wharekauhau Country Estate, roughly a 90-minute drive from the capital of Wellington. While the wind and rain likely kept them indoors, the royal couple and some of their staff relaxed in a series of interconnecting cottages. The lodge, which boasts a spa, pool and an extensive wine cellar, came at the recommendation of the New Zealand government.

Photography by Reuters

Royal Playdate: Prince George joined 10 other babies for a playdate at the Government House, where the family will stay for the majority of their trip. George charmed his playmates (and their respective parents) during his first major royal engagement in celebration of The Royal New Zealand Plunket Society, a non-profit family health organization.

Keep up with Prince William, Kate Middleton and baby George in our Royal Spotting slideshow.

Last night a few stars won coveted, little gold statues, but even the losers went home with a very valuable consolation prize — and no, we’re not talking about Ellen’s lotto tickets. Every Oscar nominee was gifted an $85,000 “swag bag” from Distinctive Assets; of its many over-the-top prizes, we’re most envious of the A-list vacations:

So, will Bradley Cooper relive The Hangover in Las Vegas? Or will Matthew McConaughey celebrate his Oscar win in Mexico? Who knows, but we hope more than one celeb takes advantage of these amazing trips.

Music fans will be cozied up by the TV tonight to watch the 56th annual Grammy Awards, broadcast live from LA.Not only will fans be sitting on the edge of their seats in anticipation of who will win the coveted award, but they will also be poised to see and hear some top-notched performances that are creating a lot of buzz.

Sunday is a big Nielsen ratings night for the popular TV show, Downton Abbey, but producers of the awards show are hoping to attract more viewers by including some exciting collaborative performances like Jay-Z and Beyonce; Robin Thicke and Chicago; and yes, a Beatles reunion with Ringo Starr and Paul McCartney. The remaining members of the ’60s band will take the stage to perform in a tribute to commemorate the British rockers’ first performance on The Ed Sullivan Show 50 years ago.